{"id":2419,"date":"2025-01-15T13:24:11","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T12:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/campingarribesdelduero.com\/?p=2419"},"modified":"2025-03-14T17:36:06","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T16:36:06","slug":"veton-castro-of-yecla-la-vieja","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/campingarribesdelduero.com\/en\/veton-castro-of-yecla-la-vieja\/","title":{"rendered":"Vetonean Castros"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The territory of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park<\/a>, where our campsite is located, is not only a natural paradise, but also an archaeological treasure that transports us to the past of these lands through the visit to the Vetones forts. <\/p>\n\n

This visit that we propose is part of the Vet\u00f3n Territory that invites us to know the way of life of the Vetons and the changes that brought for them the contact with the Roman culture. A form of tourism that combines nature, culture and history. <\/p>\n\n

What are the Vetonean castros?<\/h2>\n\n

The Vetones castros are ancestral fortresses built more than two thousand years ago for the protection of the people, they are living witnesses of the history and culture of the region.<\/p>\n

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Winter sunset walk along the ramparts of Las Merchanas Hillfort<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n

In the surroundings of the campsite we are fortunate to have very close two examples of these pre-Roman Vetones forts. Both constitute the circuits of Lumbrales and Yecla de Yeltes<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Castro de las Merchanas<\/h3>\n\n

The first of them can be reached by taking a nice walk from the campsite, without the need to go by car. It is the Castro de Las Merchanas<\/strong>, which retains virtually intact all its walled enclosure. These walls were reformed in Roman times and the enclosure was definitely abandoned in the V century. <\/p>\n

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Horseback riding next to the Tio Justo Mill and view of the Camaces in summer.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n

It is a route that we recommend in autumn or spring (although in summer we do not enjoy the greenery, there is shade on much of the route), walk under the oaks, between dry stone walls, observing the old shepherds’ huts; and thus reach the mill of T\u00edo Justo and the footbridge over the river Camaces. It is a museum trail, so in certain places you will find interpretive stations, stelae or sculptures. At the foot of the wall, defiantly, the billy goat protects the castro, as well as the field of driven stones. <\/p>\n\n

Guided tours for groups can be requested at the tourist office of Lumbrales, located in Casa de los Condes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\"Example
Ni\u00f1o and Anuk pose next to the boar. In summer it is advisable to visit in the early and late hours of the day to avoid the heat. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n

Castro de Yecla<\/h3>\n\n

The Vet\u00f3n castro of Yecla la Vieja<\/strong>, located in Yecla de Yeltes, is an outstanding example of the life of the Vetones in Arribes. This ancient cattle-raising and hunting population, which disappeared in the 5th century A.D., was the first to be inhabited in the area. C., offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the ancient inhabitants of the area. It is part of the Territorio Vett\u00f3n<\/a> program, a cultural route sponsored by the Provincial Council that allows you to explore the most impressive archaeological sites of the Iberian Peninsula.<\/p>\n

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Jumping on the wall of Yecla la Vieja.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n

Built mainly in the 3rd century B.C., the castro of Yecla la Vieja extends over an area of approximately 5 hectares and is surrounded by an imposing dry granite wall. Inside, there are more than a hundred cave engravings, mainly depictions of horses and hunting scenes, which offer a unique window into the past.<\/p>\n

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\"Examples
Treasures you find in the Castro de Yecla.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n

The ‘Ricardo Mart\u00edn Valls’ Museum,<\/a> located in the archaeological classroom of the castro, is a must for visitors. Here, you can admire archaeological remains dating back two thousand years, including a large granite boar, symbol of the Vetons, as well as bone remains, funerary stelae, pieces of pottery and tools used by the ancient inhabitants of the region.<\/p>\n\n

Castro de Saldeana<\/h3>\n\n

And be sure to explore the Castro de Saldeana<\/strong> with the largest field of driven stones in Europe, is considered the best example of a fortified settlement.<\/p>\n\n

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